Israel and Lebanon Agree to Extend Troop Withdrawal Deadline to February 18, 2025

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend the deadline for Israeli troops to leave southern Lebanon until February 18, 2025. This extension follows Israel's request for more time beyond the initial 60-day deadline set by a ceasefire agreement that ended the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in late November. The White House confirmed this arrangement, which is monitored by the United States.

Israeli forces opened fire on protesters in southern Lebanon on Sunday, resulting in at least 22 deaths and 124 injuries, according to Lebanese health officials. The casualties included six women and a Lebanese army soldier. Demonstrators, some carrying Hezbollah flags, were protesting Israel's failure to withdraw by the agreed deadline. The protests occurred in nearly 20 villages along the border.

Ceasefire Agreement and Protests

The Israeli army attributed Sunday's protests to Hezbollah's influence, stating that warning shots were fired to "remove threats" from areas where suspects approached. Several individuals near Israeli troops were detained for questioning. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized Lebanon's sovereignty and urged residents to trust the Lebanese Armed Forces while exercising self-restraint.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun addressed the people of southern Lebanon, asserting that "Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable." He assured them of his commitment to safeguarding their rights and dignity. The Lebanese army also announced its efforts to escort civilians into some border towns and urged residents to adhere to military instructions for safety.

International Reactions and Statements

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, allied with Hezbollah through his Amal Movement party, condemned Sunday's violence as a call for international intervention. He urged the global community to pressure Israel into withdrawing from occupied Lebanese territories. An Israeli military spokesperson accused Hezbollah of inciting unrest to distract from its situation in Lebanon and the Arab world.

The U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, along with UNIFIL head Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, urged both nations to adhere to their ceasefire obligations. They noted that the timelines outlined in the November Understanding had not been met, highlighting that conditions were unsafe for citizens returning to villages along the Blue Line.

UNIFIL's Role and Concerns

UNIFIL warned that further violence could destabilize the region and undermine efforts towards stability following hostilities' cessation and Lebanon's government formation. They called for Israel's complete troop withdrawal, removal of unauthorized weapons south of the Litani River, redeployment of the Lebanese army across southern Lebanon, and safe civilian return on both sides of the Blue Line.

An AP team was stranded overnight at a UNIFIL base near Mays al-Jabal after Israeli roadblocks were set up during a peacekeeper patrol. Journalists reported hearing gunshots and explosions from the base on Sunday morning as protesters gathered nearby.